Prison Officers’ Association: Protest Action

Lord Lee of Trafford Excerpts

Tuesday 15th November 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

I cannot say how many prisons have writers in residence, but I would suggest that the problems within our prisons at the present time go rather deeper than occupational therapy in the form of writing. However, I will write to my noble friend with the details she requests.

[Lord Lee of Trafford (LD)]

My Lords, how bad do things have to get in the short term before we call on military support?

[Lord Keen of Elie]

There is no question or suggestion of such a thing. In this context, I make clear there is a national response team organisation to deal with unrest in our prisons. For example, the recent incident at Bedford was resolved when the national response team moved into the prison.